Use dataBinding and DependencyProperty with a non-WPF or extern object

Introduction

Today we are going to learn how we can use the powerful data binding of WPF even on non-WPF objects.

The Problem: When to Use this Solution?

Sometimes you need to use the databinding with an object that you have not created and you can't use inheritance.

For example, I wanted to use a Mogre Camera and build some WPF animation with it and I couldn't because:

• WPF animation needed a DependencyProperty to manipulate,
• I couldn't derive the Mogre.Camera class and add it the correct things because I got the camera from a factory object (the sceneManager).

Then I couldn't use the WPF animation to move my camera... next is how I solve it.

A Solution: Mine and Surely Not the Best :)

Here is the solution I use:

1. Create a proxy DependencyProperty inside a DependencyObject, for example your main windows.
2. Override the OnPropertyChanged handler.
3. Update the aimed attribute inside the handler.

To control my camera, I created this DependencyProperty inside my windows:

public static readonly DependencyProperty CameraPositionProperty = 
	DependencyProperty.Register("CameraPosition", typeof(Point3D), 
	typeof(SurfaceWindow1), new PropertyMetadata(new Point3D(0, 0, 0)));
 
      public Point3D CameraPosition
      {
         get
         {
            return (Point3D)GetValue(CameraPositionProperty);
         }
         set
         {
            SetValue(CameraPositionProperty, value);
         }
      }

Then I added this override:

protected override void OnPropertyChanged(DependencyPropertyChangedEventArgs e)
      {
         base.OnPropertyChanged(e);
         if (e.Property.Name.Equals("CameraPosition"))
         {
            _ogre.Camera.SetPosition((float)((Point3D)e.NewValue).X, 
		(float)((Point3D)e.NewValue).Y, (float)((Point3D)e.NewValue).Z);
            _ogre.Camera.LookAt(Vector3.ZERO);
         }
      }

And my usual question:

Does someone have a better idea to perform the same?